Malé: A high-level meeting on ‘Policy Guidance for Mainstreaming the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Small-Scale Fisheries’ was hosted by the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Maldives, and the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) from 20 to 22 February 2025 in Villa Nautica Paradise Island Resort in the Maldives.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, policymakers from Bangladesh, India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, along with representatives from regional and international organizations and experts, convened to address the challenges faced by small-scale fisheries and explore the potential of the ecosystem approach to promote sustainability in this sector.
In his keynote address, Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Malé, D. Amanulla, focused on Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime affairs, emphasizing its extensive ocean resources and the essential role of sustainable fisheries management in fostering economic sta
bility and food security. He also stressed the need for regional collaboration to tackle issues such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine pollution, climate change, and maritime security. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation among the Bay of Bengal countries, particularly in fisheries management, marine pollution mitigation, and research collaboration, to ensure the sustainable and equitable use of shared ocean resources.
During the inaugural session, Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources of Sri Lanka, Sampath Manthrinayake, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in implementing the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) within the Bay of Bengal. He noted that such cooperation is crucial for achieving sustainable fisheries, protecting the environment, mitigating climate change, and ensuring maritime security. He reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to fostering partnerships among regional entities to
tackle transboundary issues, including illegal fishing, marine pollution, and marine habitat degradation.
The chief guest, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources of the Maldives, Ahmed Shiyam, in his inaugural address, acknowledged the country’s deep connection with the ocean and stressed the importance of regional cooperation in achieving sustainable fisheries management. The Minister highlighted the country’s commitment to responsible fishing practices aligned with the current government’s resource sustainability policies.
Established in 2003, the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO) serves as a regional fisheries body dedicated to improving opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for small-scale fisheries in the Bay of Bengal area. The BOBP-IGO is also committed to raising awareness of the essential needs, skills, and management practices related to marine fisheries to support the advancement of small-scale fisheries.